Good Morning Gloucester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2022
GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION PRESENTS AN AFTERNOON OF SILENT MOVIES WITH LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT BY KEYBOARD ARTIST JEFF RAPSIS OCTOBER 30 AT 3:00 P.M.
Bring the whole family to the Gloucester Meetinghouse at the corner of Church and Middle Streets on Sunday, October 30 for an entertaining afternoon of classic silent movies with live keyboard accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis.
Before elaborate soundtracks and before actors spoke in films, keyboard artists entertained audiences with their live improvised musical accompaniment to follow a film’s storyline. Children and adults of all ages will be delighted with the musical interpretation of keyboard artist Jeff Rapsis as he infuses new life into three works from the early era of cinematic history. Rapsis has entertained audiences of all ages across New England with his fresh interpretation of this lost technique. The three films were selected for their wide appeal featuring non-stop action and knee-slapping comedy routines. Presented on a large screen with live keyboard accompaniment, the afternoon of silent films offers a unique artform and an unforgettable experience for all.
Tickets are available online at http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org or at the door. General seating $15; students with ID $5; children under 12 free.
The three films to be shown on October 30 are:
The Haunted House (1921)
Buster Keaton stars in this film about a gang of robbers, a crooked bank manager, and the bank’s teller who converge on a booby-trapped house decorated to appear haunted in order to fool the authorities. A series of uproarious encounters between the antagonists leaves the audience wondering who the true villain really is.
The Floorwalker (1916)
Charlie Chaplin stars in his signature role as “The Tramp” in this early comedy. The antics of an unruly customer (Chaplin) foil the crooked manager’s plans to make off with the store’s cash. This film features sight gags galore with an early version of an attempt to run down the up escalator and one character “mirroring” the movements of another.
The Red Balloon (1956) Le ballon rouge
A red balloon follows a young boy through the streets of Paris with varying reactions from his friends, family, and a gang of ruffians. The film received multiple awards including the Cannes Film Festival, and an Oscar Award for Best Original Screenplay. Written, produced, and directed by Albert Lamorisse, the film features his five-year-old son Pascal in the leading role and his daughter Sabine.

ABOUT THE GLOUCESTER MEETINGHOUSE FOUNDATION
Founded in 2015, the Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation is dedicated to preserving the landmark building as a civic hub, entertainment venue, and community center. In addition to its work to preserve the historic 1806 Meetinghouse, GMF is currently raising funds to restore Meetinghouse Green. The GMF has received a $130,000 grant from the Community Preservation Act and a $2,000 grant from the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program towards a total project goal of $340,000. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
For more information, a full schedule of upcoming concerts and events, and to sign up for the GMF newsletter, visit http://www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org.